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FAQs and Lab Resources

Welcome to Bock Laboratories. Listed below are frequently asked questions about various topics that are useful when working at Bock Labs and on campus. If you have additional questions that are not listed, please feel free to email or call the administrative office for more information.*Marcia Gratz: Payroll & Benefitsmgratz@wisc.edu, 262-8110*Marcia Padilla: Grants Administratormpadilla@wisc.edu, 262-6449*Katherine Spencer: Financial Specialistkaspencer2@wisc.edu, 262-1586*Dennis Josi: Financial Specialistdjosi@wisc.edu, 262-1153*Kim Voss: Assistant Directorkrvoss@wisc.edu, 262-9880

How do I get a Faculty/Staff ID?
Confirm that Marcia Gratz has entered your appointment into the UW system. Once confirmed, go to the Wiscard office located in Rm 149, Union South, 1308 Dayton St. Make sure you always have it with you when you are working late hours in Bock. If you have any questions, please contact Marcia in Rm 413. https://wiscard.wisc.edu/get-your-wiscard.html).

How do I activate my NetID and UW email account?
Instructions on how to activate your NetID are available at: https://www.mynetid.wisc.edu/activate. You will need the number from your Staff ID to help set up the account. Click on "NetID Utilities", then on "Activate My NetID". Once your netID is active, you can sign onto wiscmail using the same NetID.

Is parking and/or public transportation available on campus?
UW-Madison makes a concerted effort to have as much green space as possible on campus. As a result, parking is extremely limited and campus police issue tickets frequently. There are no free lots on campus and most lots require a permit which may be available from Parking and Transportation in Rm 124 WARF Building (Building 139) between 7:15 AM and 4:30 PM. https://transportation.wisc.edu
Permanent purchased parking spaces are assigned by the Parking Office on an annual basis for the year beginning Septemer 1. If an individual does not apply for parking during the annual assignment process, there are minimal chances of obtaining parking until the following year. See Kim Voss for application forms or see the UW transportation website for more information: https://transportation.wisc.edu.
Some temporary parking permits on campus are available for purchase at WARF or 21 N. Park St. These passes cost $7.00 for half day (AM or PM) parking and $12.00 for all day parking. Lots 36 and 38 are the closest to the Bock Building. Note that some parking lots on campus are free during the evening and most weekends (depending on Badger sporting events).

Other transportation options include: The Bus: Madison Metro Transit System
Contact information: 266-4466, http://www.mymetrobus.com/.
Buses run throughout campus. Bus routes 80 and 85 are looped-campus based routes that are free for anyone. For all other routes, all UW employees can obtain a bus pass for $24/year and students can obtain a free bus pass. Without a pass, bus fare is $2.00 one way. Check the bus schedule and ride guide for the most current information regarding stop locations and routes. Bus passes can be obtained at Student Print on the 3rd floor of the Student Activity Center, 333 E. Campus Mall. http://www.asm.wisc.edu/asm-bus-pass.html

Bicycles
Madison is a very bicycle friendly city and hosts a large variety of trails, bike lanes and bike racks throughout the city. You can find pre-owned and new bicycle dealers all over town and some dealers, like Budget Bicycle even rent bikes.
Map of bicycle trails:www.cityofmadison.com/trafficEngineering/bicycling.cfm

SAFEride Cab Services provide transportation for people who live outside the SAFEwalk area. The SAFEride Cab area ends approximately two miles off campus but for an extra charge, SAFEride can take you outside of their normal range. The hours are 10:30pm – 3:00am, seven days a week. A $1 donation plus driver’s tip is requested of each rider. In order to use SAFEwalk/SAFEride you must have your UW ID with you.

What Units does in Bock Labs house?
Bock Labs houses the Institute for Molecular Virology (IMV) and the Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology (LCMB) research centers, the Biophysics and Cellular Molecular Biology (CMB) graduate training programs, the Laboratory for Optical and Computational Instrumentation (LOCI), and the Biophyics and Molecular Biosciences Training grants (MBTG). The administrative support office for these programs is located in Rm 413, Bock Labs. For more information:
Institute for Molecular Virology:www.virology.wisc.edu/
Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology:www.molbio.wisc.edu/
Biophysics Graduate Program and Training Grant:www.biophysics.wisc.edu/
Cellular Molecular Biology Graduate Program:www.cmb.wisc.edu/
Molecular Biosciences Training Grant:www.mbtg.wisc.edu/
Laboratory for Optical and Computational Instrumentation:www.loci.wisc.edu/

How do I get a key to the building and/or my lab?
Contact Marcia Gratz in the main office and she will provide a key request card. Take the key card to the storeroom on B1 where Chris Gradel will issue a key(s). If you lose your key notify Chris as soon as possible. When you leave Bock Labs permanently, please return your key to either Chris or Marcia.

What's a building pass? How do I get one?
During after-hours on weeknights and weekends only persons with authorization are allowed in the building. Authorized persons should carry their campus id to verify to campus security their approved access during anytime the building is not open for public access.

How do I get my insurance benefits?
There is a limited period during which a new employee may sign up for health insurance and other insurance plans without providing evidence of insurability and/or meeting other qualifying conditions. For most employees, this period is 30 days from date of hire. All new Classified Permanent and Unclassified employees must attend Benefits 101: New Employee Benefits Seminar as soon as possible after beginning employment. Marcia Gratz will assist you with the process of identifying, selecting and enrolling in the insurance plans you are eligible for.
Most University employees are offered several comprehensive health care plans to choose from if you are a faculty member, academic staff or classified staff with a 50% or greater, permanent appointment, or a limited term appointee covered under the Wisconsin Retirement System, refer to the "Benefits Booklet-Academic Staff, Classified Employees, Classified LTE's, Faculty" booklet available on the Employee Compensation and Benefits website. www.bussvc.wisc.edu/ecbs/emp-gen-bens-menu.html
Each fall a "Dual Choice" health insurance enrollment period is held for approximately 3 weeks. Premium changes for the next year are announced at this time, and employees can change from one health insurance plan to another, change from single to family coverage, etc. These changes become effective the following January 1. At the beinning of the "Dual Choice" enrollment period, information about your options will be emailed to you directly.

Where do I get assistance with visa questions?
Marcia Padilla provides assistance with visa applications and renewals. See her as soon as you know of a status change and/or the need to submit a new application. Some visa approvals take a considerable amount of time once submitted to the U.S. immigration services, so advanced planning is essential to avoid lapses in visa status.
If changes occur that may affect compliance with the conditions of your visa status, please let Marcia know, before the fact. This includes leaving the country, working concurrently in another position, or changes in your employment within the department.
If you plan to leave the country while on a J-1 visa, you must obtain a travel endorsement from IFSS on your original DS-2019. This request must be submitted 2-3 weeks prior to travel.
For more information visist: http://www.ohr.wisc.edu/ifss/index.htm

How can I be added to the Bock Labs email list?
Once you have an active Wiscmail account, contact Marcia Gratz in person or at mgratz@wisc.edu.

Can I use a personal computer?
The use of personal computers is allowed but you are required to have it screened for up-to-date virus software by our IT staff. Contact Bock computing by using their online form: www.bocklabs.wisc.edu/computing/report and they will set up a time to check your computer. For internet access only, you can log-into UW's wireless network using your NetID and password. Finally, if you are visiting and wish to have access, your host can request a temporary user ID for you through DoIT (campus computing): https://kb.wisc.edu/helpdesk/

Where do I go for computer problems or IT support?
Request Bock IT support by filling out the online Bock Labs computer support request form: www.bocklabs.wisc.edu/computing/report. Your request will be responded to within one business day. For emergencies, contact the bock office directly.

How do I purchase basic lab supplies from the inhouse stores or place a purchase order?
State law prohibits the procurement of any item without proper purchasing procedure being followed. If you purchase anything (no matter what the cost) without proper procedure being followed, you have bought it yourself and you will not be reimbursed for the cost.Storeroom Stock
Chris Gradel operates the Storeroom in Rm B119. The storeroom maintains a stock of over 800 different items that you may purchase at any hour of the day using the honor system. To purchase a stock item, first checkin on the kiosk by tapping the screen buttons corresponding to your lab and name, then use the bar code scan device to record the items being purchased. Edit the number purchased on the kiosk screen and finalize the transaction when all items are recorded in your basket. At checkout you have the option to receive an email record of the transaction.

Order Lab Materials from outside Suppliers
In addition to the storeroom stock, Chris manages outside orders up to a certain dollar limit, providing access to a large number of scientific suppliers. To order: (you need to be authorized for ordering with access through login with your NetID and password) submit an online Storeroom order request on the Bock Labs website and Chris will place the order with the vendor. It is necessary to provide vendor, item and catalog or part number, quantity and cost information to process an order. When the material arrives, Chris will review the contents, complete the paperwork and deliver the items directly to the labs on a daily basis. Sources of suppliers include but are not limited to: Agilent Technologies, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Fisher Scientific, Invitrogen, Materials Distribution Services (MDS), New England Bio-Labs, Roche, Sigma Chemical, Beckman Instruments (centrifugation supplies), DoIT (computer supplies and software), Integrated Data Technologies, and Rainin Instruments. Blanket Orders: Some labs have their own blanket orders. These blanket orders are almost always written to other organizations on campus, such as animal care and radioactive materials (CORD). If your lab has a blanket order, learn how to place orders properly. Ask an experienced person in your lab (or Dennis Josi in Rm 413) for assistance. Equipment: Equipment is usually defined as something that costs over $5000 and has a useful life of more than 3 years. Take equipment order requests to Dennis Josi in the office. An equipment requisition generally requires a current price and terms quote from the supplier. The University has contracts with many equipment providers that are negotiated to provide a preferred cost to University customers. If an item is not being purchased from a contract supplier then evidence must be shown that the designated supplier is offering the best price or is the only provider (sole source) for the item. The office can provide assitance in preparing non-competing, sole source purchase requests.

How can I get equipment repaired? Is there a shop service?
The machine and electronics shop is located in room B101. Gary Hammersley manages all requests for custom built items and, instrument / equipment repairs including coordination of service for equipment under service contract with an outside repair service.Repairs: For repairs carried out by our shop, there is no cost for labor but charges are made to the lab(s) for material and parts used to meet the requested repair. In cases when repair cost will be comparable to a newly purchased item the shop will confer with the lab to determine the desired action. Work requests are submitted using the online request form on the Bock Webpage. Small portable items for repair should be brought to the shop by the requestor.Custom Fabrications: The requestor should consult with the shop about the general plan and then develop detailed plans and drawings for the desired item(s).Discard / Retire Broken or Unusable Items: Consult with the shop to determine if an item that is no longer usable or needed should be placed in the trash or sent to SWAP. The shop must catalog and coordinate all items going to SWAP; it is especially important that capital equipment that is being retired from service be identified for proper removal from the campus inventory.

Is there a glassware cleaning service?
The Glassware Washing facility in B213 is staffed by trained student assistants. To have glassware cleaned, each lab should place their dirty items on their labeled cart and deliver it to the staging area in the hallway outside of B213. Glassware should be well rinsed by the user before taking to the dishwash facility. Sterilizers (autoclaves) and drying ovens are also available for use - it is essential to be properly instructed on how to use this equipment to avoid contamination and costly damage to the equipment. Primary training should be provided by a senior member within each lab to ensure proper protocol for their items and the equipment.

Where do I reserve a conference room?
Two conference rooms can be reserved for use: the Penthouse (take stairs to the 9th floor) and room B105. If you are interested in reserving a room, click on the room reservation link on the Bock Labs website. Check out the calendar to see when the rooms are available and then fill out a request form. Requests will be processed in the order in which they are received. You will receive a confirmation email once your reservation has been made.

Where do I check out a projector for use for a presentation?
Projectors and laser pointers are available for checkout in the administrative office, Room 413. Please keep cords, connecting cables and adapters with the parent projector.
The B105 conference room is equipped with a slide projector and a transparency projector. The penthouse conference room has a transparency projector and large screen monitors that can be connected to a personal computer. Please do not remove the projectors from these rooms. When people reserve the room, they are reserving the use of these projectors as well.

Do I need specific safety trainings to work in a lab?
UW-Madison offers training sessions in order to execute lab procedures properly such as handling chemicals, working with radiation, working with animals, etc. For some positions certain training is mandatory. See your supervisor to find out which sessions are required. See the UW-Madison Safety website for training sites and schedules https://ehs.wisc.edu/ehs-training-overview/

Where do I go to obtain a radiation badge?
Chris Gradel in the B119 storeroom is responsible for distributing radiation dosimeters on a quarterly basis. The report for the previous period is posted in room B119. You should check your name on this report quarterly. If you do not have a dosimeter and need to get one, please see your Lab Manager/P.I./Chris and they will assist you with obtaining the dosimeter. Be aware that if you need to work with any radioactive materials, you must take a Radiation Safety course (https://ehs.wisc.edu/ehs-training-overview/). After you complete the form, Radiation Safety will mail your dosimeter to Chris who will then distribute it to you.

What is the procedure for working with animals?
The NIH has imposed strict regulations for the care of experimental animals and their experimental use at the University. If you are considering use of animals in your research, you will need to have the proper documentation on file with the Research Animals Resource Center (RARC). Your animal care contact person will be able to provide you with the correct forms needed to gain RARC approval for your animal research plans. Animal Safety Training information may be obtained at https://ehs.wisc.edu/ehs-training-overview/

Can I work with isotopes?
The use of radioactive materials is very closely regulated. Radiation Safety controls the purchasing and distribution of isotopes through its CORD operation. Individuals using isotopes for the first time at UW-Madison must participate in a one-day training session through the Radiation Protection program https://www.ehs.wisc.edu/training.htm. Once the training is complete, a dosimeter will be provided (coordinated by Chris Gradel), and your use of isotopes can begin. Radiation Safety will be conducting regular insepctions of your laboratory for compliance with NRC rules. Should your lab fail to pass inspection, you will be unable to obtain material from CORD until the violation or finding is addressed. Radiation Safety also handles disposal of radiactive material.

Where and how do I dispose of lab waste?
All employees must dispose of all waste generated by following some very important procedures outlined below:ANIMAL WASTE: Disposal of experimental animals is handled by the Safety Department at UW (https://ehs.wisc.edu/disposal-services/). A form, from the Safety Department must accompany animal material when Safety picks it up. Other materials, such as cedar chip bedding, should be placed in a sealed plastic trash bag. The custodial staff will place it in the common trash. CHEMICAL WASTE: In order to limit the amount of chemical waste we generate, please try to always order the correct quantities of chemicals. All unused chemicals must be sent to the Safety Department. Please see https://ehs.wisc.edu/chemical-disposalsurplus/RADIOACTIVE WASTE: The Safety Department handles the disposal of radioactive waste. Separate disposal forms and containers are used for radioactive waste and chemical waste. There is a limited amount of short-term storage for radioactive material in rooms B125 and B126 (on the loading dock.) Please see for additional information https://ehs.wisc.edu/radioactive-waste-disposal/

What should I do with flammables?
All labs should work diligently to keep the volume of flammables on hand at the lowest reasonable level. Flammables should be stored in the low part of your lab's fume hood. Storeroom inventory of flammables is in Rm B229. There is a very limited amount of space for short-term storage of excess solvents. Please consult with Chris about such storage. Disposal of such materials is handled by the Safety Department

What should I do with SHARPS or broken glass?
Order the appropriate size SHARPS or Broken Glass container. Chris Gradel in the Storeroom can help direct you. Locate the container in a convenient place in your lab. When full, seal the container and if SHARPS, move it to the red barrels in room B127 on the loading dock. Chris has a key. If it is Broken Glass, either seal the cardboard "Broken Glass" container or place in a sturdy cardboard box, seal, label "Broken Glass" and place in the appropriate container next to the east side of the building.
Note: Small amounts of broken glass may be added to the "Broken Glass" box in the Dish Room (B213)

What's the equipment policy?
All capital items (generally equipment costing over $5000) have inventory numbers. These numbers are on a Property Control issued decal placed on a visible but non-interferring spot on the instrument. We are accountable for knowing the status and location of all capital equipment items at all times. Please do not give or lend this equipment to other departments or institutions, dispose of, or trade-in without contacting either Gary Hammersley or Kim Voss (Department Property Administrators (DPA) for Bock Labs). Beginning in 2017 there is an annual audit requiring location of every item on the active inventory.

Is our equipment insured?
Campus capital equipment and facilities are insured against damage from natural causes or building failures. This does not cover misuse or failure to follow proper operation.
Equipment taken off campus for legitimate projecte related use must be insured. Please contact Gary Hammersley in the shop at least one week before you plan to leave campus with any of our equipment. If you fail to do this, the equipment may not be insured against theft or damage.

My equipment needs to be sent off campus to be repaired, is there a procedure I need to follow?
In the event that equipment is to be sent off campus for repair or replacement, the proper arrangements must be made. Please see Gary Hammersley and/ or Dennis Josi in the office.

I need to get a gas cylinder. Who do I talk to?
Chris Gradel is in charge of ordering, maintaining inventory tracking and return of gas cylinders for the building. Because there is potential for serious injury or death if a cylinder falls and the valve breaks, exercise great caution in relocation and always keep every gas cylinder secured with a safety chain. If you require a gas cylinder where there is currently no safety chain, submit a work order to the shop. Each lab is responsible for having the correct pressure regulator for the cylinders they use. Do not use adapters to connect a cylinder to a regulator that was not designed for the type of gas being used. Also be aware that a cylinder of compressed gas bears a cost for the contents and a montly cyclinder rental charge so there is a continual cost as long as a cylinder is in the possesion of the lab. It is good practice to return cylinders that are not going to be in use for an extended period even if they are not empty.

Do we have any distilled water?
"Distilled water" is available from taps in the labs generally located located around some sinks and/or along benchtops. The water delivered in these lines is actually purified by reverese osmosis filters, followed by finishing filters and UV irradiation. Many labs have additional high purity polishing units to meet the need for the highest purity water. The building distilled water is a finite resource so we ask lab personnel to use it wisely - please do not tie open distilled water faucets for any reason. The shop staff can help you design a timed device for special use of distilled water, such as pipette rinsing.

Does Bock Labs recycle?
Bock Labs tries to be as green as possible and recycles many items using the following procedures: Aluminum: Aluminum beverage cans should be placed in the blue recycling barrels. The University does not recycle aluminum foil. Individual labs can take their aluminum foil to one of the local recycling centers if they wish. Otherwise, put used foil in the regulator laboratory trash.Cardboard: Cardboard cartons should be placed next to or in the large blue "Mixed Paper" recycling bin located in the hallways on each floor.Chemicals: The UW Safety Department provides a service for the recycling and/or disposal of chemicals. Known chemicals, in their original container, can be sent to them for recycling. UW Safety publishes a list periodically, which contains chemicals available through their recycling program. Unknown substances can be sent to them for identification and proper disposal. The Safety Department has to chemically analyze unknowns, which is expensive. Make every effort to reduce the number of unknown substances by use of proper labeling practice including the substance name, concentration, date prepared and user. Forms for chemical pick-up may be obtained in the Office or from Safety.Glass: Glass beverage containers may be placed in the blue recycling barrels. All other glass is not recycled. Place well-rinsed glass reagents bottles in the hallway outside your lab. Please do not put them in your lab waste because the glass can break and harm the custodian when he/she is removing the trash. Broken glass and other sharp objects should either be boxed (a sturdy box, well-taped shut, and brightly labeled: BROKEN GLASS) or disposed of in the “sharps” containers available through our Storeroom. A copy of the UW Safety Department’s guide for “sharps” disposal should be posted in your laboratory.

Laser Printer Cartridge: If a new laser printer cartridges comes in box suitable for "return" to the maker affix the supplied label and take to the storeroom for pickup by the parcel carriers that serve the building (UPS, FedEx, USPS). If the supplier does not have a return policy for expended cartridges then they should be put in the regular trash.Paper: Clean, regular office paper should be placed in the black rectangular recycling baskets in each lab or office. Magazines, newspapers, glossy paper (including stapled and glued bindings) should be placed in the large blue bins labeled "Mixed Paper" which are located in the hallways on each floor.Plastic: Plastic beverage containers may be placed in the blue recycling barrels. Please do not place plastic reagent bottles in these barrels. The Dane County Recycling Center prefers not to deal with these for fear of lingering chemicals. Instead, please put plastic reagent bottles in the regular laboratory trash, after rinsing thoroughly.Plastic Lab Ware: This includes petri dishes, culture flasks, graduated cylinders, etc. These are not recycled, rather place them in the regular lab trash. Special note: some labs place materials into biohazard bags and then autoclave the bag and contents. Once this has been done, properly label with a green sticker indicating the decontamination is complete and place the biohazard bag in the trash bin in B213. If the bag has ripped or ruptured in any way from the decontamination put the entire bag in another biohazard bag, seal and label as above.Steel: Steel cans or steel/aluminum combination beverage cans may be placed in the blue recycling barrels. Metal containers used for shipments of chemicals cannot be recycled and should be placed in the regular laboratory trash.Styrofoam Chips: Styrofoam peanuts may be recycled with Chris Gradel in the B119 Storeroom or in the bin located outside on the building deck by the various dumpsters. The peanuts should be clean and sealed in a plastic bag. Do not mix materials including the packing peanuts made of cornstarch or other plastics. Clean styrofoam shipping containers may also be recylec in the metal cage bin on the deck outside the building. Again avoid mixing in plastic foam materials that are not styrene based.Styrofoam Enzyme Boxes: If the supplier of a purchased biological provides a prepaid return label along with their shipments these items can be shipped back. When you take your enzyme out of the cooler, dump out the ice into a sink. Tape the cooler closed with some shipping tape. Put the pre-paid label in place, bring the cooler to B119 and place it, label facing out, next to the enzyme freezer on the floor. If you do not follow this procedure, the cooler will not be recycled.

How do I submit a grant proposal?
Kim Voss and Marcia Padilla coordinate research grants and fellowship proposal submissions. If you are submitting a grant proposal, please meet with them at least (4) weeks prior to the agency deadline. Please try to prepare your proposals early enough to avoid last minute "rush" jobs and to discuss unusual situations with Kim or Marcia well in advance of the deadline. In general, most all applications are submitted electronically now. The process requires setup of an internal routing record, known as a WISPER record, and entry into the sponsor's designated online portal. Kim and Marcia will assist with both components to the degree the PI requests. We highly recommend involving us even if the PI is comfortable with the process since business processes through our office of Research and Sponsored Projects are subject to change. It is also important to understand that every grant is made to the University, and final submission invaribly goes out under the signature authority of specific Signing Officials, who attest to a whole range of certifications and practices consistent with the sponsors rules and regulations.

By adhering to the general schedule provided below, you can ensure that your grant applications will meet the agency deadlines, and that they will be prepared as carefully as possible. Thank you for your cooperation.Schedule for submitting Research Applications:
*At least 4 weeks prior to agency deadline: inform Kim of agency and deadline; discuss budget and any material use protocols that are necessary to execute the work that is proposed.
*2-5 days prior to agency deadline: the research description should be complete, and all sections should be loaded into the WISPER record and submission portal. During this process we can also review the documents for compliance to instructions. In the final step the P.I. will need to sign and/or route the internal record and external application through the approval chain that results in submission. Usually there is some type of acknowledgement of receipt by the agency and an opportunity to view the version that has been "received" to verify its faithfullness to the submitted documents. The advantage of planning to submit at least a day ahead of the deadline is that occasional system failures occur during the peak traffic period just ahead of major agency deadlines.A final recommendation is to backup your files during preparation frequently and to a source separate from your main workstation. The documents are always the result of many, many hours of work and nearly impossible to recreate in a late term computer "melt down".

Does Bock have a confocal microscope?
A Bio-Rad MRC600 laser scanning confocal microscope is housed in Bock Labs. Visit the office for more information.

Does Bock have liquid scintillation counting machine?
Bock Labs operates a Beckman liquid scintillation counter, located in room 705. If you are not familiar with the machine, ask a responsible user in the laboratory for help and instructions.

Does Bock have a phosphorimager or a Typhoon?
Bock Labs owns a Molecular Dynamics Typhoon imager, which is located in B201. The instrument is available on a first come, first served basis. It may be closed evenings and weekends as well. Your lab door key will open the imager room. Each research group is responsible for training new members of their group to use this instrument, and they are responsible for their own imaging screens. Problems with the instrument should be reported to Gary Hammersley, in the shop.
Typoon data files should be promptly removed from the workstation hard drive. They should be put onto CD (disks available from Chris Gradel (B119)) or sent to other computers via Ethernet. Image files may be deleted without backup from the workstation hard drive in order to keep a reasonable amount of open hard drive space for new images.

Does Bock have a real-time PCR machine?
General info: The Applied Biosystems 7900 real time PCR machine is equipped to handle 96- or 384-well plates. It does not currently have FAST or array capability. The 7900 is located in B201. Your lab manager or PI should have a key to this room. If he/she does not, please see Marcia Gratz.

Reservations: There is a sign-up sheet located next to the 7900. Please sign-up to reserve time on the machine. Please include your name, lab, head use (96 or 384), and length of run when signing up.

Log-In: The 7900 does not require a log-in password; just log-in with the John Bade icon.

Software: The 7900 uses the software SDS 2.1. The Ahlquist and Palmenberg labs also have a copy of this software and we have 3 more licenses for this software. If your lab will be using the 7900 frequently and would like a copy of this software, please see computer support.

Data Storage: The 7900 computer is networked, but for a variety of reasons is not set up for file server access. Each lab has a folder on the D:\ drive of the 7900 computer. You may burn a CD or flash card to transfer files. The 7900 computer will currently print to various black/white and color printers throughout the building.

Primer Design: We have one license for the Primer Express program. This program can be used to design your Taqman primer-probe pairs. Taqman primers and probes can then be ordered through any primer supply company or Applied Biosystems. Aplied Biosystems can also design your Taqman primer-probe pairs for you.

Reporters/Quenchers: The 7900 currently has the capability to use the following reporters and quenchers: fam, joe, ned, rox, sybr, tamra,vic, and tet. It can be used with other reports or quenchers but further calibration would be required. Please see the people listed below if you are interested in using other reporters or quenchers.

Supplies: Many companies sell supplies for real time PCR. Some catalogs and prices from VWR and Applied Biosystems are located next to the 7900.

Help: For further information about the 7900, assistance in using the 7900 for the first time, switching between the 96- and 384-well heads, problems with the 7900, or any other help lease contact:

Emily Albright, 6th floor Kalejta lab

She is the designated caretaker of the 7900. She is also responsible for running monthly background checks and bi-yearly calibrations on the 96- and the 384-well heads.

How do department phones work?
The State Telephone System (STS) is to be used for long distance calls that are related primarily to University business. Use of the system for personal long distance calls (even if you plan to make reimbursement to the University) is not a permitted practice and is considered an abuse of the system. Unavoidable personal calls are to be made as collect calls, billed directly to the individual’s home telephone number, charged to a personal credit card, or made from a pay or cell phone.

Local personal calls should be limited to those that are essential. Employees should be judicious and not make excessive use of their telephones for personal purposes.

Long Distance Calls: Most lab phones do not allow long distance calls to be placed. There is a phone located in the office (Rm 413) for lab personnel to use to make long distance calls to vendors or for other university business purposes. The phone record list, located by the phone, must be filled out for every long distance call. See the following dialing instructions:

Long distance calls outside of Madison but in the United States, Canada and Mexico- Dial 8-1 then the area code plus a seven-digit number.International calls- Dial 8-011- country code-city code-local number, then the # button if you have a touch-tone phone (this will speed your call along).Toll Free (800) Numbers- Dial 8-1-800 plus the seven-digit number.Directory Assistance (there is a $.65 charge per call)-Dial 8-1-area code-555-1212Local Calls- There is no charge for local calls or campus calls. (There is a charge for calls to directory assistance.) If the call is in Madison, dial 9-seven digit number. If the call is on campus, then you dial only the last 5 digits of the phone number.Centrex Features: The following features are available on all University telephones. For instructions on their use consult the Staff Directory on page A11:
Automatic Callback
Call Transfer
Three-Way Calling
Call Forwarding Variable
Six-number Speed Dialing

Do we have a fax machine?
The office (Rm 413) maintains a fax machine for use by all building residents: The fax number is (608) 262-4570.
When you receive a fax, unless it is marked URGENT or in some other way very important, it will be placed in your mailbox. When you want to send a fax, consult the printed instructions or ask one of the office staff for assistance. Report any problems with the fax machine to office staff, and remember that fax calls are dialed just like any other telephone calls- see the telehpone section.

When is the mail delivered and where do I receive it?
U.S. Mail is delivered directly to the building Monday through Friday. It usually arrives in the late morning. It is then sorted into the mailboxes located outside of the office (rm 413) by office staff. Outgoing mail leaves Bock Labs midmorning each day - pisckup is from the labeled bin atop the cabinet in the storeroom. Postage for business related items are available in the office.

Campus mail: The University and state agencies in Madison operate an interdepartmental mail service. Re-useable campus mail envelopes are available in the office. Campus mail is delivered to our building in the early morning and; outgoing campus mail leaves at the same time from a bin in the storeroom. There is no charge for campus mail service.

Does Bock Labs offer Federal Express or UPS services?
Yes, it does.OUTSIDE THE USA:
Please see Marcia Gratz in room 413 for all express shipments OUTSIDE the USA. If you have something to send out by FexEx please see Marcia before 3:00PM.INSIDE THE USA:
There are two sub-categories: Overnight Letters and Overnight Packages.Overnight Letters: Chris Gradel in the B119 Storeroom will have either pre-paid Federal express or prepaid UPS airbills for letter envelopes (be sure you use the same vendor’s envelope and airbill!). These are checked out from the Storeroom just like any other item. Federal Express Overnight Letters are placed in the drop box on the wall by the B1-Level outside door and are picked up at 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.Overnight Packages up to 5lbs: Chris Gradel in the B119 Storeroom has either prepaid overnight Federal Express or prepaid UPS airbills for packages up to 5 lbs. These are checked out from the Storeroom just like any other item. Heavier packages need airbills which are not prepaid and must have funding coding written on them, so be sure to see Marcia for funding coding. Federal Express packages are placed in the drop box (place on the floor below if it won’t fit in the drop box) on the wall by the B1-level outside door and are picked up at 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. At the time of this writing, there is no drop box or regular pickup time for UPS overnight packages-see Marcia for pickup information.

How do we find and hire student assistants?
Most labs now search for and select their own student workers using the UW’s Student Job Center website. http://jobcenter.wisc.edu/ First you create a profile for yourself/your lab (My Profile) and then you list the job opening (List a Job). Applicants are able to contact you by email or phone. You must bring the new student to the office for payroll paperwork completion on or before their first day of work.

Eligibility: The student must be enrolled for credit at a two-year or four-year institution in the UW System and the position must be incidental to the individual’s purpose or presence at the University as a student. If they are enrolled at another campus, they must show proof of their enrollment there. If they receive their bachelor’s degree in the spring, they may work only one week past commencement, unless they are enrolled in a graduate program the following fall. If they will be a freshman in the fall, they may work the summer before.

I-9: An offer of employment must be contingent upon verification of identity and work authorization as required by the Immigration Reform and Control act of 1986. Section 1 of the I-9 form must be completed by the employee on or before the employment begin date. The employee must present verifying documents by the third day of employment. The law prohibits the University from employing or continuing to employ an individual who has not provided the required documents within the relevant time period. See Marcia for information on completing the online I-9 documentation.

Enrollment Verification: Each fall and each summer Student Hourlies are required to fill out this form, verifying their enrollment in classes. Students enrolled half time or more do not have a Social Security deduction taken from their check. During the summer, when not enrolled in classes, Social Security deduction is taken.

Time Sheets: Students are paid on a biweekly basis using online time sheets which must be turned in by 4:30pm on alternate Fridays. The due date and time are printed on each time sheet; if it is not received in the office by that time, the hours will be paid on the following payroll. Additionally, if the time sheet is not completed correctly, it will be returned to the student and the hours may not be paid until the following pay period. The lab supervisor must sign the time sheet.

Overtime not allowed: It is the policy of the Graduate School and both the Molecular Biology and Molecular Virology labs to limit student employment to 40 hours a week in all student appointments on campus, even during the summer months - be sure students understand this. During school sessions in which the student is enrolled, we encourage you to limit the hours to no more than 20 per week.

International Student: Additional policies apply to non-resident alien students, based on their visa types. Students on F-1 visas may be employed on campus for up to 20 hours a week during the academic term and up to 40 hours a week during holiday periods. Student on J-1 visas have the same hourly limitations, and must also present a letter from the J-1 sponsor granting them work permission.

Additional policies: The Supervisor should be present during the student’s work hours. Shifts of four hours should include a 15 minute paid break. For 8-hour workdays, a minimum 30 minutes of unpaid lunch break is required. For some Bock Labs student positions, primarily the dish cleaning assistants, the student may work shifts when there is no supervisor in the area or building. A clear line of contact and good training must be provided so the students know the proper response to problems or malfunctions with the equipment.

The above policies are subject to change, so please consult with Marcia or Kim if you have any questions.

I need to go on a trip. How do I handle travel expenses?
Katherine Spencer is our travel guru, so please contact her with any questions you may have regarding travel (262-1586, kaspencer2@wisc.edu). Contract vendors, rates and limits quoted in this section are accurate as of September 2009 and are subject to change. These are only brief descriptions - the best thing to do is see/email/call Marcia for questions/instructions before you make any travel arrangements (including meeting registrations), especially for the first time.

Complete UW System travel regulations are on-line at the following link:http://www.uwsa.edu/fadmin/fppp/fppp36.htm.
In general, just think "receipts, receipts, receipts." The definition of receipt is "an itemized receipt which means it shows each item purchased." This is usually a cash register receipt - you can also attach your credit card receipt to verify credit card payment. However, a credit card receipt, by itself, is not enough documentation for reimbursement - it does not show exactly what was purchased. At a hotel the needed receipt is the "hotel folio" which you get when you check out and pay - it will detail each day and what was purchased/paid for each day. A taxi receipt will show the date and amount.

Air travel: Reimbursement is limited to the lowest fare available. If roundtrip fare exceeds $500, quotes from at last two agencies/airlines must be obtained. If you decide to fly from Milwaukee or Chicago to save money, we will have to prove it costs less than flying from Madison - see Angie for instructions. If you decide to add a weekend or holiday days to your trip because it lowers the flight cost, we will have to prove the total cost is less (this includes the price of meals and extra hotel nights) - see Angie for instructions before you book your airfare. Direct Billing the Department for airfare may be possible. (This method spares you from carrying the airfare cost on your own credit card until you return from your trip). When you book your flight and pay using you own personal card, you will have to wait to collect the reimbursement until after your trip is completed (unless the cost of the airfare is unusually large). If you get a paper ticket, keep the Passenger Receipt from your ticket because you must have it for reimbursement. If you get an e-ticket you will need to print or forward to Marcia the confirmation email which shows the itinerary (flights, times etc.) and showing payment made to your credit card. You will also need a receipt (obtained when you pay at the ticket counter) to be reimbursed for the Extra Bag charge - if you pay for it online, be sure to print your receipt.

Taxi and airport shuttle/limousine: These charges are reimbursable. Receipts are required for fares exceeding $25 one way.
Bus/Subway: Receipts are not required for bus or subway, but if you save them it's easy to remember what you spent.

Automobile Transportation: You can drive your personal car to your meeting and be reimbursed $0.485 per roundtrip mile if your destination is less than 300 miles from Madison. If your destination is more than 300 miles and you want to drive, see Marcia to calculate the lowest cost to your destination.
University Fleet Cars are available for use and may be charged to grant funds. A car should be reserved from Car Fleet at the Transportation Services Office, or the Agricultural Car Fleet and an authorization form sent in advance of planned use. Only authorized drivers may drive State vehicles. To become authorized contact Car Fleet directly.
If you use your personal vehicle locally you will be reimbursed for business related miles - using your peronsal vehicle is restricted to pre-approved programs or research related activities. The rate of reimbursement is $0.485 per mile.

Vehicle Rentals: Reimbursement is generally limited to the cost of a compact size or smaller. Rental should be made from the State Contract Vendors (listed at http://www.uwsa.edu/fadmin/fppp/fppp36.htm). The contract vendors include free collision and liability insurance for most rentals. If it is necessary to rent from a noncontract vendor, or if the contract vendor does not provide insurance for that location, collision insurance must be purchased. See Marcia before you decide to rent a vehicle - your reimbursement will be limited to the lowest cost way to travel to your destination and the lowest cost contract vendor rate.

International Travel: See Marcia before you make international travel arrangements (lodging or airfare). Different lodging and meal maximus apply depending on the country to which you are traveling.
Registration Fees: Receipts are required for claims in excess of $25.

Meals: The amount claimed for meals must represent the amount actually spent. Please do not pay for other people's meals when traveling. Ask Marcia for current maximum rates. Receipts are not necessary and will not help you get reimbursed over the maximum meal rate, but they will help you remember what you spent.

Lodging: Discounted rates should be requested when making reservations or registering at a hotel/motel if possible. Government rates are extended to UW employees at the following chains: Motel 6 and Red Roof Inns. (Refer to instructions at www.uwsa.edu/fadmin/fppp/fppp36e.htm for the UW discount code number when making reservations at these hotels.) Be prepared to show identification at check-in. Receipts are required and reimbursement will be limited to the UW-System maximum rates. The hotel folio (obtained wen checking out) itemizing daily charges and showing your payment in full, must be submitted with your request for travel reimbursement.

Travel Expense Reports for reimbursement should be filed as soon as possible, and definitely within two weeks after your return.Is there coffee in Bock?
Bock Labs has a coffee club that operates only during regular office hours in the kitchen of the office (rm 413). Club members may join on a monthly or single cup basis. To join contact Kim Voss. If you are making coffee in your lab with your own pot, please be sure to unplug the pot before leaving.What do I do if there’s an accident?
Serious accidents or medical emergencies requiring paramedic assistance should be reported to 9-911. The 911 operator will send paramedics, an ambulance, and fire/police assistance to your laboratory.What’s the fire alarm procedure?
Campus building occupants are asked to call 9-911 as well as trigger the building alarm system in the event of a fire or other such emergency. The building alarm system will notify occupants to vacate the building. Leave the building when the fire alarm sounds-do not assume that there is an alarm malfunction. Does Bock have any fire doors?
The stairways in our building are protected by fire proof doors. These doors protect your exit in the event of a fire. They should never be blocked open. Everyone should be familiar with the location of the stairways, the location of our fire extinguishers, and the location of the safety shower on each floor.What should I do if something is flooding?
Problems with the plumbing system should be reported to Gary Hammersley. This includes leaky faucets, plugged drains, and leaking sinks. However, these are only part of our usual water difficulties. Many laboratories have cooling water routed through plastic/rubber tubing and this tubing has frequently failed with serious consequences. To prevent this from happening, please frequently change plastic/rubber tubing. If there is a flood, immediately contact Gary Hammersley for mops and custodial assistance. Also, remember to check the rooms below you as it is likely that a flood in your lab will spread to the floor below you.What is the smoking policy?
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in our building nor is not permitted near exits or entrances to the building, except at a distance of 25 feet or more. This reflects campus-wide rules instituted by our Chancellor. Your cooperation with this is appreciated. What do I do if something has been stolen?
As with most large institutions, the University continues to be plagued by theft. Computers and top-loading Mettler balances are the number one targets for thieves. Since state property is insured with large deductibles, we cannot count on insurance to cover our theft losses.
As such, please do not leave laptops, purses, wallets, backpacks, etc. in unlocked or unattended spaces. We continue to have reports of purses and/or wallet theft in this building. Additionaly, always lock your bicycle. Please always assume that anything left unsecured will be stolen.
Please report any thefts of your personal property to the UW Dept. of Police and Security at 262-2957. If University property is believed to be missing from your lab, please contact Kim Voss immediately.
The UW Office of Human Resources Development has a New Employee Orientation website found at www.ohrd.wisc.edu/employeeorientation/resources/index.htm. The website offers extensive inofrmation on many topics from campus policies to arts and recreational opportunities on campus and in the Madison comunity.